OpenAI says new definitive agreement ‘strengthens partnership’ with Microsoft

In a post to its corporate news site, OpenAI stated: “Since 2019, Microsoft (MSFT) and OpenAI have shared a vision to advance artificial intelligence responsibly and make its benefits broadly accessible. What began as an investment in a research organization has grown into one of the most successful partnerships in our industry. As we enter the next phase of this partnership, we’ve signed a new definitive agreement that builds on our foundation, strengthens our partnership, and sets the stage for long-term success for both organizations. First, Microsoft supports the OpenAI board moving forward with formation of a public benefit corporation and recapitalization. Following the recapitalization, Microsoft holds an investment in OpenAI Group PBC valued at approximately $135B, representing roughly 27% on an as-converted diluted basis, inclusive of all owners-employees, investors, and the OpenAI Foundation. Excluding the impact of OpenAI’s recent funding rounds, Microsoft held a 32.5% stake on an as-converted basis in the OpenAI for-profit. The agreement preserves key elements that have fueled this successful partnership-meaning OpenAI remains Microsoft’s frontier model partner and Microsoft continues to have exclusive IP rights and Azure API exclusivity until Artificial General Intelligence. It also refines and adds new provisions that enable each company to independently continue advancing innovation and growth… As we step into this next chapter of our partnership, both companies are better positioned than ever to continue building great products that meet real-world needs, and create new opportunity for everyone and every business.”